The death of a 13-year-old girl from Tempe has led to the indictment of her grandmother, 55-year-old Virginia Lujan. Lujan faces multiple charges, including child abuse and tampering, with the case presented by the Maricopa County Attorney's Office, as reported by FOX 10 Phoenix. Her bond has been set at $500,000.
Police were alerted to the situation by a distressing 911 call from Lujan, who informed them her granddaughter was not breathing, according to a 12 News article. Responding officers discovered the teen inside what appeared to be a makeshift cage, with bruises, and sores, the girl later died in the hospital. The mother, also arrested has since been released pending charges.
Investigations by Tempe Police revealed that the home contained a bunk bed that had been modified into an enclosure, where the victim was kept for prolonged durations. The scene was also marked by severe unsanitary conditions. "While investigating, officers discovered a bunk bed that had been adapted into a makeshift enclosure where the victim was kept for extended periods of time, along with grossly unsanitary conditions throughout the home," stated the MCAO, as obtained by FOX 10 Phoenix. It's been determined that the young girl suffered from a rare form of epilepsy and had the cognitive functioning of a 3-year-old.
The charges against Lujan include two counts of child abuse, two counts of tampering with physical evidence, one count of tampering with a witness, and three counts of contributing to the dependency of a child. Her secured appearance bond remains at a half-million dollars, as stated by the Maricopa County Attorney's Office, according to information from 12 News.
